In fairness, later, he said, "If the hulls have little rocker and it's a light built cat like a Tornado, you really shouldn't ride surf over three feet high."
Again, we regularly do this overhere. The surf is not the problem. The only real problem is landing the boat downwind on a beach with hidden tiles (washed of the beach resort terrasses during a storm) and sharp rocks. The sand itself is NOT a problem, not even when the boat has some vertical speed. Again, in a good blow we ride tbe boats some way up the beach to clear the surf. A new gelcoat layer is in order once every two to three years but that is a common "repair" for all beach cats here even for the Hobie 16's and such. Sandbars are no problem either, you can spot them in advance by the change in water/surf around them and the rest is just timing. Traversing the surf is always about timing and planning your route so you take on the big rollers at the times and places of YOUR chosing.
We have an unsheltered beach overhere and yes sometimes we can't sail because of the surf, but then the other boat makes can't make it out (or in) either. I'm not sure where you sail but don't you have a coastline / lakeline that that has small natural harbours or sheltered area's ?
I guess my point is again, that there are alot of myths about hull strength and fragility, most often propelled by builder who make overweight boats for economic reasons (cheaper, more profit or a building facility in some 3rd world nation with an underskilled labour force), but that doesn't mean that the differences are significant.
"This is a high performance racing boat and is not meant to be used as a beach cat."
I find this quote very surprising. If these boats are not beach ready then which boats are ? Certainly no skiffs like the 49-er or even dinghies like the laser or star. Forget about Keelboats altogether, no way you are dragging 300 kg or lead up the beach. Yes, the H16 will take a little more abuse but the difference between both is really not that big; either that or 4000 cats in the Netherlands have been doing things all wrong for 40 years now. I say it can be done even with high perfromance cats as we (I) have been doing this for decades and our surf can really get up. Way past the point of where you WANT to be outthere as a sailor.
JJ, I think Rolf said it best, describe you beach or landing area and the conditions there (maybe a map) and I'm sure together we can give you a good advice whether a F16 is a viable option or not.
Wouter
